India Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment
Proud Members of the Living History Association
The 26th Marine Regiment in Vietnam
Image found on Google
The 26th Marine Regiment was reactivated at Camp Pendleton, California on March 1st, 1966 and deployed to Vietnam on December 1st 1966. It was originally the Operational Control of the Third Marine Division, but in May 1968, it was reassigned to be the Operational Control of First Marine Division.
The 26th Marine Regiment relieved the 3rd Marine Regiment in operations on the hills around Khe Sanh in May of 1967. 3rd Battalion took part in "Operation Kingfisher" around Con Thien from the 7th to the 11th of September 1967. From that time they conducted "Operation Ardmore" which was a series of "search and destroy" missions around Khe Sanh from July 17- October 31 1967. India Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines garrisoned and defended Hill 881 South under command of Captain William H Dabney. After completion of "Operation Ardmore" Marines of the 26th Marine Regiment conducted "Operation Scotland" in defense of Khe Sanh combat base. This operation also called for "search and destroy" missions against North Vietnamese Army infiltrators. On Janurary 21st, 1968 the 26th Marines took part in perhaps their largest action of the Vietnam War, the Siege of Khe Sanh.
The 26th Marines fought for Khe Sanh for 77 days until the siege was broken and after that they went back to operations in the Khe Sanh area until the 1st Marine Regiment replaced them on April 15th, 1968. From May to June of 1968, 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 26th Marines took part in "Operation Mameluke Thrust". For their actions in Vietnam the 26th Marines were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation as well as being awarded one for their actions in the defense of Khe Sanh.
Third Battalion, 26th Marines left Vietnam on the 19th of March 1970 and returned to El Toro Air Base, California where the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Leonard F. Chapman Jr.
Battle streamers won by 26th Marines in Vietnam
India Company, 3rd BTN, 26th Marine Regiment (Reenacted)
Image found on Google
India Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines is a unit of volunteers who are dedicated to educating the public and honoring the memory of the men who fought in this unit in particular, but also the men and women who fought in the Vietnam War. They participate in public displays where they discuss the life of the average Marine infantryman as well as the weapons and tactics of the war. The men of India Company hold themselves to the highest standard of professionalism and honorable behavior. They adhere to all Marine Corps standards and take their impressions seriously as they know they are representing the nation's finest fighting force.
In addition to public living history displays, India Company 3/26 participates in Vietnam War tactical events. These allow the men of India Company to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the combat of the Vietnam War, as well as allow them to dig deeper in their particular impression in a nearly first person and immersive way, which will improve their impressions when talking to the public at display events.
If you are interested in joining and participating in these events, look at the Recruitment and Contact tabs and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.